The Inspector-General of Biosecurity has released a report on risk management in Australia’s biosecurity sector, finding the nation to have one of the worst records on the planet.
The Inspector, Helen Scott-Orr, said her review examined how effectively environmental biosecurity risks were being addressed within the biosecurity system, focusing primarily on the role of Federal Government Agencies.
“Australia has one of the world’s worst records of native species extinction, with a further 1,500 unique species on a ‘threatened’ list, and whole ecosystems at risks of collapse in some cases,” Dr Scott-Orr said.
“Most of this damage has been caused by introduced invasive species and pathogens, such as feral cats (pictured), cane toads, countless weeds, chytrid fungus of frogs, and myrtle rust of many native plants, which are already widespread throughout the country.”
She said the challenges of preventing further pests entering and establishing would only increase with greater trade and travel.
“It is imperative to keep other potential environmental pests and diseases at bay where possible, to preserve remaining native species and ecosystems,” Dr Scott-Orr said.
“Deliberate or illegal import of animals (such as cat hybrids which could become ‘super–feral’ cats) and unwitting import of pathogens such as white nose syndrome of bats, which could enter on clothes or equipment of cavers and bushwalkers, are just two high-risk pathways of many that must be managed.”
She made seven recommendations in her report to improve environmental biosecurity coordination and delivery between Governments and other stakeholders, all agreed by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Dr Scott-Orr’s 98-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
